2016-equinox-regional-dashboard-report

Quality of Life
Dashboard
The San Diego Regional
7th
Annual
2016
An initiative of

Table of Contents About
Center for Sustainable Energy
The Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) delivers high-impact programs, training and education, and technical assistance
to help the public and private sectors achieve success toward their clean energy goals. As a mission-driven nonprofit
organization, our subject matter expertise and on-the-ground experience with a wide variety of sustainable energy
solutions make us a trusted partner in meeting ambitious energy goals, saving money and improving the world.
Equinox Project
In January 2016, CSE merged with the Equinox Center to create the Equinox Project, an initiative aimed to enhance and
expand the work of the former center. Over the past seven years, the Equinox Center has conducted exemplary research
and in-depth analysis on quality of life issues in the San Diego region.
By engaging policymakers, local leaders and other key stakeholders, the Equinox Project works as a nonpartisan,
independent entity advancing innovative solutions to balance regional growth with our finite natural resources. Our mission
is to ensure a healthy environment, strong economy and civic engagement for the San Diego region.
2
34
37
35
36
1
Page Rating Indicator
How you can make a difference
Implement ideas for change
The dashboard contains“ideas for change,”and how
you can make them happen. Encourage your employer,
elected officials and friends to implement these changes.
Have an idea for change? Let us know onTwitter
(@EquinoxProject) or Facebook (facebook.com/
theEquinoxProject) and use #SDQoL.
Champion the cause
Stay informed about key issues facing our region.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Want to receive our
newsletter? Visit our website at energycenter.org/equinox
and click on Subscribe.
Invest in a sustainable quality of life
Your financial support allows us to continue our research,
expand our network of support and help ensure a high
quality of life for the San Diego region.
To make a tax-deductible donation, visit
energycenter.org/equinox and click on Donate Now.
Invite others to engage
Invite your friends, colleagues and business associates to
join our online community, attend our events or donate to
the Equinox Project.
Join Leaders 2020
If you are in your 20s or 30s and you want to be more
civically engaged, join our Leaders 2020 network to meet
other aspiring young innovators. For more information,
visit energycenter.org/equinox/leaders-2020.
Inspire
Inform
Engage
Protect our
environment
Promote strong
economy
Enhance
quality of life
Policy
research
Outreach
and advocacy
Civic
engagement
What we do Why we do it How we do it
The 2016 Quality of Life Dashboard
is brought to you by ourTitle Partner
AsSanDiego’senergycompanywerecognizethatthe
decisionsoftodaywillimpactgenerationstocome.
Improvingpeople’slivescannotbeaccomplishedwithout
partnership,that’swhywe’reproudtohavepartneredwith
EquinoxProjectforsomanyyears,supportingtheirefforts
toinform,inspireandengageSanDiegowiththeQualityof
LifeDashboard.
facebook.com/theEquinoxProject
facebook.com/SanDiegoLeaders2020
@EquinoxProject
@SDLeaders2020
energycenter.org/equinox
Improved >1%
from the previous year
Improved <1%
Worsened <1%
Worsened >1%
Neutral or no data
Air Quality
Unhealthy Air Quality Days
Border Region
Cross-Border Economic and Environmental Metrics
Climate Change
Climate Emissions, Action Planning and Sea Level Rise
Economy
Employment Metrics
Economy
Entrepreneurship
Energy
Renewable Energy
Energy
Residential Electricity Consumption
Housing
Housing Affordability
Land Use
Park Access
Transportation
ElectricVehicle Sales and Infrastructure
Transportation
Transportation Choices
Transportation
Vehicle MilesTraveled
Waste
LandfillWaste Disposal
Water
Water Use
Water
Beach Closures and Advisories
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
How Equinox Project and
You Can Make a Difference 1
Key Findings 2
Partners and Support Network 34
Organizations Consulted 35
Acknowledgements 36
Photo Credits and
Contact Information 37
1San Diego Quality of Life Dashboard 2016

2
Key Findings
Key Findings from the 2016 San Diego Regional
Quality of Life Dashboard
What Gets Measured Gets Managed Better
As local communities grapple with the challenges of growing their economies and improving
their environmental sustainability in an often politically charged atmosphere, we encourage
policymakers, businesses and residents to use our research to make fact-based decisions. The
dashboard is a way to bring innovation and action to the dialogue. With this tool we hope to move
the needle in the right direction by measuring what matters for San Diego County residents.
Measuring What Matters
The Equinox Project’s principal publication, The San Diego Regional Quality
of Life Dashboard presents a comprehensive view of environmental and
economic indicators by combining data collection and analysis with research
and outreach strategies aimed at advancing development of intelligent
policy in the region. Drawing on strong relationships with environmental
groups, government agencies and the business community, we are able to
provide a balanced snapshot of the region’s well-being using credible data,
clear metrics and ongoing benchmarks.The dashboard tracks our region’s
progress on critical, interlinking quality-of-life issues and provides examples
of where things are working and ideas for how we can improve.
YOUR GUIDE
TO THE
DASHBOARD
Whether an indicator is trending
up or down, we can always
make improvements.“One idea
for change”offers practical
solutions and policy ideas for
advancing quality of life in the
San Diego region.
Charts and infographics
evaluate how individual San
Diego County communities
rank in quality of life issues and
compare their progress to other
regions and state benchmarks.
“Bright Spots”highlight progress
and achievements that have
been made toward improving
San Diego’s quality of life.
“Featured Projects”give a
snapshot of Equinox Project
partners’efforts to help
steer the region to a more
sustainable future while
supporting dashboard
research and outreach.
idea
for
change1
New data tracking
electric vehicle sales
and infrastructure
development shows
California in the
lead to decarbonize
transportation.
p. 22
What’s your key
indicator? Connect with
the Equinox Project
social networks on
Facebook and Twitter
to let us know.
Top-down drought
restrictions and
limits on water
supplies allocated
to the region slowed
consumption of
water. p. 30
Venture capital and
new high-tech and
life science startups
boosted the economy
in 2015, but wages are
growing slowly.
p. 12
San Diego County
continues to throw
away the most trash
compared to other
major counties in
California. p. 28
San Diego’s energy
sources are getting
cleaner, with more
renewable energy
coming from the region’s
utility and local rooftop
solar systems. p. 14
3San Diego Quality of Life Dashboard 2016Equinox Project, an initiative of the Center for Sustainable Energy

Air Quality
Unhealthy Air Quality Days
How are we doing?
The combined number of unhealthy air days and unhealthy air days for
sensitive groups improved only slightly from 19 in 2013 to 18 in 2014, with
San Diego remaining among the top major urban counties in California for air
quality. The countywide rate of asthma hospitalizations per child increased
from 9 to 10.3 per 10,000 residents aged 0-17.
Why is it important?
Some 400,000 San Diego County residents are at risk from air pollution because of
lung diseases such as asthma and COPD (2014).
Children face increased risk from air pollution because their lungs continue
growing as they get older.
Bright Spot
In 2015, for the first time since the
American Lung Association began
releasing its annual State of the
Air report in 2002, the San Diego
metropolitan area was not listed
among the worst 25 cities in the
U.S. for air quality. Progress should
continue with improvements in cleaner
vehicle technologies and standards
and programs to enact local climate
action mitigation.
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2015
Unhealthy Air Quality Days (San Diego County, 2000-2014)
Unhealthy Air Quality Days (select counties, 2014)
Children’s Asthma Hospitalization Rates by ZIP code
(ZIP codes with five or more events, rate per 100,000, 2015)
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; Environmental Health Coalition, 2016; California Breathing, 2016;
Center for Sustainable Energy, 2016
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2015
Policymaker
Five air quality control districts in
California offer voluntary accelerated
vehicle retirement programs to
incentivize residents to retire older,
less efficient vehicles. The local San
Diego County Air Pollution Control
District could implement a similar
program targeting incentives to
lower income populations to help
get polluting vehicles off the road.
How we compare
What are we measuring?
Days when San Diego County’s air
quality is considered unhealthy for
the total population or for sensitive
groups (i.e., elderly adults, children and
those with respiratory conditions) and
children’s asthma hospitalization rates
throughout the county.
idea
for
change1
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
20012000 2002 2003 20052004 2007 20082006 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Unhealthy Days for Sensitive Groups
Unhealthy Days
Very Unhealthy Days
Los Angeles
Orange
Sacramento
San Diego
San Francisco
Santa Clara
0 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 10010
Unhealthy Days for Sensitive Groups
Unhealthy Days
Very Unhealthy Days
0
0.01 to 50.00
50.01 to 100.00
100.01 to 125.00
125.01 to 150.00
150.01 to 200.00
200.01 to 292.94
No Reported
Population Data
Rates per 100,000
Children (Ages 0 to 17)
WHAT’S YOUR
IDEA FOR CHANGE?
Letusknowon
@EquinoxProject
facebook.com/
TheEquinoxProject
anduse#SDQoL.
4 5
Air Quality
San Diego Quality of Life Dashboard 2016Equinox Project, an initiative of the Center for Sustainable Energy

The combined San Diego–Tijuana region’s environmental issues, such as air and
water pollution, and the ongoing drought, don’t stop on either side the border.
Tijuana and Baja California are crucial components of the San Diego region’s
continued economic prosperity and quality of life.
Policymaker
Local, state and federal policymakers
on both sides of the U.S.–Mexico
border should work together to ensure
neighboring communities in Mexico
have an air quality monitoring network
providing timely regional data and are
conducting greenhouse gas emissions
inventories and climate action
planning efforts.
idea
for
change1
Beach Water Quality (2015)
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; County of San Diego, 2015; PFEA Tijuana Waterkeeper, 2016
Beach Water Quality
Percentage Fails in 2015
0 0.5 2
Miles
1 N
Imperial Beach
San Diego
Tijuana
UNITED STATES
MEXICO
Percentage Pass
Percentage Fail
Playa de El Faro: 27%
Playa de Parque México: 28%
Playa de Cañada Azteca: 25%
Playa de El Vigia: 30%
Playa de San Antonio
del Mar: 46%
Bright Spot
Tijuana Innovadora’s new Tijuana
Verde initiative is working to create
an agenda to implement border
environmental projects to support
and promote the preservation of the
San Diego–Tijuana region and to make
Tijuana a leader in environmental
conservation. Learn more at
tijuanainnovadora.com
Beach water quality in Tijuana area,
border crossings at Otay Mesa and San
Ysidro and unemployment levels in
Mexico, Baja California and Tijuana.
Quarterly Unemployment Rate Percentages (Mexico, Baja California &
Tijuana, 2007-2015)
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; Instituto Nacional De Estadística y Geografía, 2016
San Ysidro and Otay Mesa Border Crossings into the U.S. (2010-2015*)
*Fourth quarter of 2015 estimated based on historical data
**Increase in personal vehicle crossings due to additional lanes at San Ysidro
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; U.S. Department of Transportation, 2016
0
2
4
6
8
10
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Mexico
Baja California
Tijuana
Border Region
Cross-Border Economic and Environmental Metrics
How are we doing?
The second year of the Border Region indicator yields a continued need for
current and regularly updated data on cross-border environmental trends.
For example, air quality data and greenhouse gas emissions inventories from areas
south of the border are not current. Unfortunately, water quality issues remain
a challenge for Tijuana’s beaches. Economic data show increases in vehicles and
pedestrians crossing San Ysidro and Otay Mesa ports of entry from 2013-2014.
WHAT’S YOUR
IDEA FOR CHANGE?
Letusknowon
@EquinoxProject
facebook.com/
TheEquinoxProject
anduse#SDQoL.
0
1,000,000
2,000,000
3,000,000
4,000,000
5,000,000
6,000,000
7,000,000
8,000,000
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Trucks Personal Vehicles** Pedestrians
6 7
Border Region

Climate Change
Climate Emissions, Action Planning
and Sea Level Rise
How are we doing?
San Diego County’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were last inventoried
in 2012. Those estimates and forecasts have been updated with new data.
An indicator of global warming, sea level rise continues, with an increase of
more than 1.5 inches since 2000. Throughout the county, the number of new
and updated municipal climate action plans is growing, with the City of San
Diego approving its comprehensive plan in late 2015.
Health and economic impacts of climate change can disproportionately affect
already vulnerable environmental justice communities.
Climate change-influenced storms and coastal flooding threaten San Diego’s
seaside bluffs, estuaries and real estate.
A warmer climate affects precipitation patterns, contributing to drought and
creating ideal conditions for wildfires.
How we compare
Local Climate Planning Efforts (2000-2015)
San Diego County GHG Emissions Forecast (2012-2050)
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; Energy Policy Initiatives Center, 2015Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; Climate Action Campaign, 2016; SANDAG, 2014
Bright Spot
A new local nonprofit, the Climate
Action Campaign, organized in 2015
to focus on stopping climate change
through policy action. They built a
base of 2,500 engaged community
members, established working
relationships local government
agencies and served as a key
stakeholder in securing support for the
City of San Diego’s 100 percent clean
energy climate action plan. Learn more
at climateactioncampaign.org.
San Diego County jurisdictions’
progress in developing climate action
plans, local sea level rise and updated
greenhouse gas emissions forecasts.
Jurisdiction GHG Inventory
Climate Action Plan (CAP)
Adopted Developing or Updating
Carlsbad X 2015
Chula Vista X 2000, 2008 X
Coronado X
County of San Diego
(unincorporated)
X 2012 X
Del Mar X X
El Cajon X
Encinitas X 2011 X
Escondido X 2013
Imperial Beach X
La Mesa X X
Lemon Grove X
National City X 2011
Oceanside X X
Port of San Diego X 2013
Poway X
San Diego X 2005, 2015
San Diego County Water
Authority
X 2015
San Marcos X 2013
Santee X X
Solana Beach X X
Vista X 2012
Climate Change
Conscientious Resident
With on-road transportation
accounting for more than 40 percent
of annual GHG emissions, anytime San
Diegans use public transportation,
walk or bike leads to lower emissions,
increased health and improved
quality of life. Smart city growth and
well-designed streets help make these
alternative choices more attractive.
For more information, visit the San
Diego Associations of Governments’
Land Use and Regional Growth pages
at sandag.org.
idea
for
change1
WHAT’S YOUR
IDEA FOR CHANGE?
Letusknowon
@EquinoxProject
facebook.com/
TheEquinoxProject
anduse#SDQoL.
Sea Level Rise (San Diego, 1995-2014)
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2015
20042000 2001 2002 200319991998199719961995 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 201420122011 2013
10
8
9
7
6
Inches–Relativeto1880Baseline
40
35
30
25
Emissions(MMTCO2
e
20102005 2015 2020 20402025 2030 2035 205520502045
Forecast: Existing Regulations Forecast: No Action Except On-road Transportation Regulations
8 9San Diego Quality of Life Dashboard 2016Equinox Project, an initiative of the Center for Sustainable Energy

Economy
Employment Metrics
How are we doing?
San Diego County’s 5.1 percent unemployment rate remained lower than
the California average by a full percentage point and inched below the
national 5.3 percent rate. From 2014 to 2015, construction remained the region’s
highest growth supersector with a 9 percent increase in employment, while professional
services, including scientific and technical services, had the largest number of employees
with more than 244,000 jobs. Even with this growth, average wages for all private sector
employees have improved by just 8 percent since 2007.
San Diego’s economy, jobs, wage growth and ability to attract talented individuals
and businesses are all part of the region’s quality of life balance.
Millennials account for 37 percent of California’s workforce, but have a high
unemployment rate, causing the state to lose more than $200 million in tax
revenue. When Generation Y struggles economically, the entire state feels it.
Policymaker
Create economic incentives for
priority sector businesses to expand
in low- and moderate-income
neighborhoods such as City Heights
and Southeastern San Diego. According
to the San Diego Regional Economic
Development Corporation, this could
involve expedited permitting, waiving
of fees or taxes and collaboration
with neighborhood philanthropic
organizations like the Jacobs Center
and Price Philanthropies.
1
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016
Growth in Employment by Sector
(Not seasonally adjusted, San Diego metropolitan area, 2014-2015)
Supersector and Industry
Total Jobs in
December 2015
(1,000s)
Change
from 2014
Total (Private and Government) 1,415.9 2.72%
Total Private 1,175.6 2.96%
Professional and Business Services 244.2 2.95%
Prof., Scientific & Tech. Services 140.6 5.16%
Mgmt. of Companies & Enterprises 21.8 2.35%
Administrative 81.8 -0.49%
Trade, Transportation and Utilities 229.4 2.46%
Wholesale Trade 45.3 2.95%
Retail Trade 156.3 2.56%
Transportation and Utilities 27.8 1.09%
Leisure and Hospitality 180.9 1.17%
Education and Health Services 201.3 5.34%
Education Services 31.9 2.57%
Health Care and Social Assistance 169.4 5.88%
Manufacturing 99.2 1.85%
Financial Activities 73.6 4.25%
Finance and Insurance 44.2 3.51%
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 29.4 5.38%
Construction 69.2 9.15%
Other Services 51.6 -4.62%
Information 25.8 3.61%
Mining and Logging 0.4 0.00%
Government 240.3 1.56%
Federal Government 45.9 0.87%
State Government 46.0 3.91%
Local Government 144.7 1.04%
idea
for
change1
Unemployment Rate
(Not seasonally adjusted, select counties vs. state & national averages, 2007-2015)
How we compare
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016
0
3
6
9
12
15
20082007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Percent
California
Los Angeles
Orange
Sacramento
San Diego
San Francisco
Santa Clara
United States
Bright Spot
In 2015, the San Diego County
Office of Education announced a
$13 million grant to support career
pathway programs focused on
regional employment in advanced
manufacturing, clean energy and
information and communications
technology. An alliance of school
and college districts, nonprofits
and industry partners established
the San Diego County College and
Career Readiness Consortium to use
the award to create a sustainable
infrastructure supporting career
pathway development and work-based
learning opportunities for students.
The unemployment rate in San Diego
County compared to other California
counties and job growth in major sectors.
WHAT’S YOUR
IDEA FOR CHANGE?
Letusknowon
@EquinoxProject
facebook.com/
TheEquinoxProject
anduse#SDQoL.
10 11
Economy

Although many cities and states promote entrepreneurship, the rate of new
business formation is declining nationwide.
Fostering a connected startup community leading to more interactions among
individuals and organizations supporting business creation builds a better
learning environment for local entrepreneurs.
How we compare Bright Spot
San Diego’s businesses innovating
solutions to solve social problems
received a big boost of support
in 2015 when Impact San Diego
started up as a new hub for social
entrepreneurs. This local movement
invests in the social capital of local
communities and the binational
region by educating aspiring social
entrepreneurs and equipping them
with tools and technologies to drive
innovation and change. Learn more
at impactsd.org.
What are we
measuring?
Total venture capital raised by region
and the number of new startup
companies in San Diego County.
1
Total Venture Capital Raised by Region (2015)
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; PWC, 2015
Metro Region 2015 Total $
Difference in Total
from 2014
$ per Deal
Silicon Valley $27,347,831,700 $1,919,330,400 $20,516,003
New York $7,317,247,500 $2,041,003,500 $14,291,499
New England $6,052,815,300 $1,071,814,700 $12,302,470
Los Angeles - Orange County $5,105,655,100 $2,147,950,800 $15,661,519
Southeast $2,258,938,300 $342,384,700 $8,184,559
Midwest $2,248,873,600 $89,761,900 $5,918,088
Northwest $1,501,790,900 -$33,437,400 $9,101,763
Washington, DC - Metroplex $1,414,568,100 $322,496,600 $8,370,225
Texas $1,170,788,400 -$256,022,800 $7,182,751
San Diego $1,166,568,700 $332,793,400 $11,550,185
Southwest $919,046,700 -$194,800,800 $8,670,252
Colorado $782,622,600 -$34,802,100 $8,995,662
Philadelphia $609,898,400 $121,726,800 $4,918,535
North Central $598,898,500 $93,163,000 $8,204,089
Upstate New York $159,675,900 $120,303,900 $5,506,066
South Central $106,432,800 -$25,908,500 $3,670,097
Sacramento - Northern
California
$43,215,800 -$85,593,300 $3,601,317
Policymaker and
Business Leader
Immigrants are nearly twice as likely
as native-born Americans to start
businesses, and their entrepreneurship
rates are especially high in engineering
and technology. Community leaders
in the public and private sectors can
work together to create welcoming
communities embracing diversity
to attract job-creating immigrant
entrepreneurs.
idea
for
change1
Percentage of Startup Companies and Jobs Created by Sector (San Diego County, 2014)
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2015; CONNECT, 2015
Economy
Entrepreneurship
How are we doing?
San Diego’s venture capital investment increased from 2014 to 2015 by
more than $330 million. Additionally, 446 new innovation startups were
formed in 2014, the highest number recorded since CONNECT started
the Innovation Report in 2005. These new startups created 1,861 jobs.
Unfortunately new patent data for 2015 was not available at the time
of publication.
WHAT’S YOUR
IDEA FOR CHANGE?
Letusknowon
@EquinoxProject
facebook.com/
TheEquinoxProject
anduse#SDQoL.
55%
16%
10%
9%
4%
4%
2%
Software
Pharma/Biotech/Medical Devices
Computer & Electronics
Communications
Defense & Transportation
Recreational Goods Manufacturing
Environmental Technology
806
361
303
225
89
43
34
Startup Jobs
Created
12 13
Economy

Energy
Renewable Energy
How are we doing?
In 2014, local renewable energy procurement jumped to 31.6 percent, and in
2015, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) became the first energy utility to reach
the state-mandated goal of 33 percent renewables by 2020, five years ahead of
schedule. Rooftop solar installations, which the state excludes from renewable
portfolio reporting, continue to increase with new residential installations from
2014 to 2015 up by 75 percent and commercial installations up by 36 percent,
totaling nearly 27,000 new installations for 2015.
Increasing renewable energy production reduces greenhouse gas emissions
from residential and commercial energy use and supports the growth of electric
vehicle adoption.
Renewable energy improves energy security as we become less dependent on
limited fossil fuel resources and their volatile pricing.
How we compare Bright Spot
San Diego is the most concentrated
major metropolitan region for
clean-tech employment in the U.S.,
with roughly 2.5 times the expected
sector employment for a region its
size. According to the San Diego
Regional Economic Development
Corporation, direct employment
in the sector exceeds 25,000 clean
economy jobs as of January 2014;
while a 2015 report from The Solar
Foundation shows 8,300 jobs just in
San Diego County’s solar industry,
the second highest total in the state.
The number and capacity of new
rooftop solar installations over the last
decade and the percentage and type
of renewable energy procurement for
the SDG&E service territory.
SDG&E Renewable Energy Mix* (2014)
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; California Solar Statistics, 2016
Growth in Distributed Solar Installations and Capacity
(SDG&E Service Territory, 2005-2015)
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
20092008200720062005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Numberofnewinstallations
Addedcapacity(megawatts)
Installations Capacity
For as little as $25, invest in solar for
nonprofit organizations like churches,
schools and others. CollectiveSun
connects small, medium and large
investors with quality solar power
projects for nonprofits in need, helping
them finance clean energy so they
can focus their resources in mission-
critical areas. Find more information at
collectivesun.com.
Wind 50.8%
Biomass 0.1%
Solar 47.6%
Landfill Gas 1.1%
Hydro 0.4%
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; San Diego Gas & Electric, 2015, California Public Utilities Commission, 2015
Renewable Energy as a Percentage of SDG&E Sales (2014)
2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2026 2028 2030
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
SDG&E 2018 goal
CA 2030 Renewable
Portfolio Standard
31.6%
50% Renewable Energy Portfolio
idea
for
change1
WHAT’S YOUR
IDEA FOR CHANGE?
Letusknowon
@EquinoxProject
facebook.com/
TheEquinoxProject
anduse#SDQoL.
*Renewable energy mix is 31.6% of total procurement
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; San Diego Gas & Electric, 2015, California Public Utilities
Commission, 2015
14 15
Energy

Increased energy efficiency and reduced energy consumption are needed to meet
climate action goals set by San Diego and California.
Statewide, California homes account for 32 percent of electricity and 35 percent of
natural gas consumption.
Energy efficiency is a key part of the clean and green economy, and employment in
the sector grew by 15 percent from 2002 to 2012.
Policymaker
Benchmarking and transparency of
building energy and water use information
is a cost-effective pathway for improving
efficiency. In 2015, the California legislature
passed a bill requiring commercial and
multifamily building owners and operators
to benchmark energy use and make
certain energy data available to the public.
In advance of and in addition to the
statewide program, municipalities have
the opportunity to join leading cities, such
as San Diego, in developing benchmarking
and transparency policies that align with
the state’s goals.
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; California Energy Commission, 2015; California Department of Finance, 2015
Average Residential Energy Consumption per Person per Day
(State of California vs. San Diego County, 1990-2014)
Featured ProjectHow we compare
idea
for
change1
Energy
Residential Electricity Consumption
How are we doing?
While San Diego County residents only reduced their daily per capita
electricity use by less than one-tenth of a kilowatt-hour (kWh) per day
from 2013 to 2014, local consumption remained lower than the state
average. California’s leadership in energy efficiency continues to chart new
territory with market transforming incentives, innovations and policy, but
statewide, residential energy consumption hasn’t decreased significantly in
the last 20 years.
Energy Upgrade California® is a
statewide initiative to help residents
take action to save energy and
conserve natural resources, reduce
demand on the electricity grid and
make informed energy choices. The
program offers rebates for energy-
saving improvements – up to $6,500
for an advanced home upgrade. It
also has created Go Green Financing
as a way to help residents find the
best financing options for their
energy efficiency projects. Visit
energyupgradeca.org for more
information.
Per capita daily residential energy
consumption compared to other
California counties and San Diego
versus statewide consumption
since 1990.
2002200019981996199419921990 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014
8
7
6
5
KilowattHours
California
San Diego
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; California Energy Commission, 2015, California Department of Finance, 2015
Residential Energy Consumption per Person per Day (select counties, 2013-2014)
California
Los Angeles
Orange
Sacramento
San Diego
San Francisco
Santa Clara
Kilowatt-hours/Day
-1
-0.03
-0.01
+0.11
-0.01
-0.05
-0.28
-0.18
0 2 4 6 8 10
6.40
5.61
5.81
8.79
4.64
5.55
6.12
2014 Kilowatt-hours
per Person/Day
Consumption
Change from 2013
WHAT’S YOUR
IDEA FOR CHANGE?
Letusknowon
@EquinoxProject
facebook.com/
TheEquinoxProject
anduse#SDQoL.
16 17
Energy

Housing
Housing Affordability
How are we doing?
Housing prices increased 10.8 percent from 2014 to 2015, higher than
the state average of 8 percent. Additionally, the housing affordability
index remained low, meaning fewer people can afford to purchase an
entry-level home. Nearly 42 percent of homeowners and 57 percent
of renters spend more than the maximum recommended amount of
income on their housing.
High housing costs limit disposable income that residents would otherwise spend
back into the economy.
Housing costs influence our region’s competitiveness against other metropolitan
regions in attracting and retaining businesses and a talented workforce.
Housing unaffordability can drive people to less expensive areas farther away
from jobs and services, increasing traffic congestion and air pollution.
Policymaker
Developments with 20 percent
affordable units have fewer
restraints and requirements than 100
percent affordable developments.
Incentivizing these mixed-income
projects will take advantage of
unused tax credits and increase
housing availability.
0%
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
20%
40%
60%
80%
California
Los Angeles
Orange
Sacramento
San Diego
San Francisco
Santa Clara
Housing Affordability Index (select counties, 2006-2014)
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; California Association of Realtors, 2016
Bright Spot
The San Diego City Council’s Smart
Growth and Land Use Committee
voted in December 2015 to develop
ordinances intended to bring down
the cost of housing development
and incentivize affordable housing
projects. The vote followed the
San Diego Housing Commission’s
report“Addressing the Housing
Affordability Crisis in San Diego and
Beyond.”For more information, visit
sdhc.org.
The National Association of Realtors’
Housing Affordability Index, the
percentage of households that
can afford a median home price;
households paying more than 30
percent of income on housing,
creating higher financial risk; and real
estate market trends.
How we compare
State/County December 2014 December 2015
Year to Year
Percentage Change
California $453,270 $489,310 8.0%
Los Angeles $464,650 $502,750 8.2%
Orange $683,490 $710,940 4.0%
Sacramento $269,350 $297,600 10.5%
San Diego $494,500 $548,080 10.8%
San Francisco $1,058,820 $1,215,620 14.8%
Santa Clara $846,500 $920,000 8.7%
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; California Association of Realtors, 2016
Median Single-family Home Price (select counties, 2014-2015)
idea
for
change1
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; American Community Survey, 2015
Percentage of Households Paying Over 30% of Income on Housing by Type
(select counties, 2014)
California
Los Angeles
Orange
Sacramento
San Diego
San Francisco
Santa Clara
0 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Own
with
mortgage
Rent
WHAT’S YOUR
IDEA FOR CHANGE?
Letusknowon
@EquinoxProject
facebook.com/
TheEquinoxProject
anduse#SDQoL.
18 19
Housing

San Diego County has more biodiversity than any other county in North America and,
along with the rest of California, is among the top 10 biodiversity regions on earth.
A report released in 2009 by The City Project and The San Diego Foundation
included maps showing a direct relationship between increased childhood
obesity and longer distances from recreational facilities, while other studies show
access to nature for youth can improve mental health.
The presence of green space alone is not enough. In order to truly benefit from
these resources, San Diego residents must have access to green space.
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2015; SANDAG, 2016, Center for Sustainable Energy, 2016
San Diego County Park Access (2015) Bright Spot
In his 2016 State of the City address,
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer
announced plans to move forward
on developing 50 parks over the next
five years and creating a new master
plan for San Diego’s park system
for the first time since the 1950s.
Dozens of those parks will be built
or upgraded through the“Play All
Day”initiative, a joint use partnership
between the city and the San Diego
Unified School District.
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; Trust for Public Land, 2015
Park Acres per 1,000 Residents vs. Percent of Population with Walkable Park
Access (select cities, 2014)
How we compare
Los Angeles San JoseSan Diego San Francisco Sacramento
ParkAcresper1,000Residents
PercentofPopulationwithWalkableParkAccess
Chula Vista
100%
75%
50%
25%
0%
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Park Acres per 1,000 Residents Percent of Population with Walkable Park Access
Land Use
Park Access
How are we doing?
In 2014, 77 percent of City of San Diego residents were living within a
half mile of a park, up 1 percent from 2013. Meanwhile, Chula Vista,
the only other San Diego County municipality in the Trust for Public
Land’s annual Park Score survey, also increased by 1 percent. San Francisco
is the highest at 99 percent, and San Diego is well ahead of Los Angeles
at 52 percent.
Policymaker
Establish a master permit for
streamlined permitting and
efficient environmental review for
rehabilitation of urban canyons
throughout San Diego, including trail
improvements, habitat restoration,
educational signage and other
enhancements.
idea
for
change1 Oceanside
Vista
Carlsbad
San Marcos
Encinitas
Unincorporated
Solana Beach
San Diego
San Diego
Imperial Beach
Santee
El Cajon
La Mesa
Lemon
Grove
Chula
Vista
National
City
Coronado
Poway
Del Mar
San Diego County
Park Access, 2015
Median annual
income less
than $60,000
Less than 3 acres
parkland per
1,000 residents
More than 3 acres
parkland per
1,000 residents
0 1 2 4 6 8 N
Miles
The percentage of regional residents
who live within a half mile of a park
and the number of acres of accessible
park space per 1,000 residents,
including parks, school yards, beaches,
forests, mountains and canyons with
public access.
WHAT’S YOUR
IDEA FOR CHANGE?
Letusknowon
@EquinoxProject
facebook.com/
TheEquinoxProject
anduse#SDQoL.
20 21
Land Use

Featured Project
In January 2016, the California Public
Utilities Commission approved a pilot
project allowing San Diego Gas & Electric
to install 3,500 EV charging stations at
business and multifamily communities
through its PowerYour Drive program.
At least 10 percent of the charging
stations will be in disadvantaged
communities. In combination with the
Clean Vehicle Rebate Project’s new
low-income rebate increases, more San
Diegans can participate in EV adoption
to help reach state goals.
EV sales and EVs per 10,000 capita
in California regions (estimated
from rebate records) and number
of publicly accessible EV charging
sites (not individual connections) per
10,000 capita in San Diego County
jurisdictions.
More EV charging stations and infrastructure promotes adoption of these cleaner
and cheaper-to-operate transportation options.
Curbing tailpipe emissions will help the state meet its greenhouse gas reduction
targets and reduce harmful pollutants that are causing elevated levels of smog
and other health hazards.
How we compare
Transportation
Electric Vehicle Sales and Infrastructure
How are we doing?
San Diego County’s per capita electric vehicle (EV) sales dropped by
almost 1 percent in 2015, while statewide sales trended up. The per
capita vehicle count is also lagging slightly behind the state average.
Within the county, Del Mar is the jurisdiction with the highest number
of EVs and charging sites per 10,000 residents. Countywide, charging
infrastructure is increasing with more than 140 nonresidential charging
sites with 600 connections.
idea
for
change1
Transportation
Policymaker and
Business Leader
According to recent surveys, many
car shoppers interested in electric
vehicles are facing dissuasion
from car dealers. Policymakers
and industry leaders should work
together to provide education and
incentives specifically for dealers,
similar to what has been offered to
consumers.
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, 2016; California Department of Finance, 2016
Number of Electric Vehicles per 10,000 capita (select counties, 2015)
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, 2016; U.S. Department of Energy, 2016;
California Department of Finance, 2016
Number of Electric Vehicles and Charging Sites per 10,000 capita
(San Diego County jurisdictions, 2015)
Carlsbad
Chula Vista
Coronado
Del Mar
El Cajon
Encinitas
Escondido
Imperial Beach
La Mesa
Lemon Grove
National City
Oceanside
Poway
San Diego
San Marcos
Santee
Solana Beach
Vista
0 100 200 300 700600500400 800
Electric Vehicle Charging Sites per 10,000 capita
0 .5 1 1.5 2 2.5
Electric Vehicles per 10,000 capita
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, 2016; California Department of
Finance, 2016
Electric Vehicle Sales per 10,000 capita (select counties, 2010-2015) California Los Angeles Orange Sacramento San Diego San Francisco Santa Clara
0
50
100
150
200
WHAT’S YOUR
IDEA FOR CHANGE?
Letusknowon
@EquinoxProject
facebook.com/
TheEquinoxProject
anduse#SDQoL.
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
California
Los Angeles
Orange
Sacramento
San Diego
San Francisco
Santa Clara
22 23San Diego Quality of Life Dashboard 2016Equinox Project, an initiative of the Center for Sustainable Energy

Bicycling for transportation improves San Diego’s air quality and decreases
greenhouse gas emissions.
More regional smart growth strategies that bring jobs, residential developments
and transit centers close to each other will help support walking.
Increasing bike lanes, walking paths and complete streets will keep those making
healthy transportation choices safe.
Bright Spot
SANDAG recently passed the San
Diego Regional Bicycle Plan, which
proposes a system of interconnected
bicycle corridors, support facilities
and programs to make cycling more
practical and desirable to a broader
range of people. Planning for a
more bicycle-friendly region helps
to improve traffic congestion, air
quality, climate change, public health
and livability. For more information
explore sandag.org.
Percent of San Diego County’s
population that commutes to work
via bike, public transit or other modes
of transportation and comparisons to
other counties.
How we compare
Transportation
Transportation Choices
How are we doing?
San Diego County’s workplace commuting via public transit decreased
by one-half percent from 2013 to 2014. The number of San Diegans who
drove alone to work saw a small increase, remaining high at 76 percent.
Additionally, there was a small increase in people that commute to work by
bicycle but it remains less than 1 percent of total commuters.
idea
for
change1
Business Leader
The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)
should improve its Compass Card, or
any other future payment cards to
ensure riders can securely store fare
value for extended periods of time.
This allows all riders to more easily
access transit and would bring the
system in line with other U.S. transit
agencies. According to Circulate San
Diego, MTS is one of only six of the
top 20 transit agencies not providing
payment card value storage.
Los Angeles
Orange
Sacramento
San Diego
San Francisco
Santa Clara
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 30%25% 35%
33.99%
4.06%
2.71%
2.30%
6.88%
3.01%
Percentage of Population Commuting via Public Transit (select counties, 2014)
Los Angeles
Orange
Sacramento
San Diego
San Francisco
Santa Clara
0% 0.5% 1.0% 1.5% 2.0% 2.5% 3.0% 3.5% 4.0%
1.8%
3.8%
0.7%
1.0%
0.9%
1.2%
Percentage of Population Commuting via Bicycle (select counties, 2014)
Types of Commuting Transportation (San Diego County, 2014)
Carpooled 8.6%
Public Transport 2.7%
Worked at Home 7.5%
Walked 2.9%
Bicycle 0.7%
Taxi, Motorcycle or Other Means 1.5%
Drove Alone 76.1%
WHAT’S YOUR
IDEA FOR CHANGE?
Letusknowon
@EquinoxProject
facebook.com/
TheEquinoxProject
anduse#SDQoL.
24 25
Transportation

12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Miles
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
California
Los Angeles
Orange
Sacramento
San Diego
San Francisco
Santa Clara
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; California Department of Transportation, 2015; California Department
of Finance, 2015
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; CALTRANS, 2016
Daily Freeway Vehicle Miles Traveled per Capita
(select counties, 2006-2015)
Bright Spot
The payroll tax savings that
employers can offer their employees
increased as of January 2016 to
$255 per month through SANDAG’s
iCommute program. Employees can
purchase transit passes or vanpool
vouchers up to this amount with
pretax dollars, decreasing their time
behind the wheel and the number of
vehicles on the road. The iCommute
program decreased San Diego
County’s overall VMT by more than
136 million miles in fiscal year 2015.
Find out more at icommutesd.com.
Per capita VMT – the number of
freeway miles driven by individuals
on a daily basis; and the annual
hours of delay for San Diego County
commuters.
Monthly Average Vehicle Hours of Delay per Capita
(San Diego County, 2012-2015)
How we compare
Transportation
Vehicle Miles Traveled
How are we doing?
Daily highway vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by San Diegans have once
again increased, this time by 2.2 million miles in 2015. Taking into account
San Diego’s growing population, this averages 0.7 additional miles a day
per capita. Compared to other California counties and the state, San Diego
County has the highest average VMT per person. Annual vehicle hours
of delay are also up by five hours per person, meaning San Diegans are
spending more time on the road.
idea
for
change1
Policymaker and
Business Leader
To plan regional transportation
needs more effectively, policymakers
and ride-share businesses, such
as Uber, Lyft and Car2Go, should
work together to securely share and
analyze aggregate trip data, which
can help determine where to locate
and offer various transportation
options, and even prioritize
maintenance issues.
More VMT adds to greenhouse gas emissions. See the Climate Change section for
more information.
Reducing VMT and hours of delay can help the economy. Research shows housing
values increase in walkable neighborhoods, and savings on fuel costs can go back
into the local economy. It also allows for spending more time with family and
friends, improving everyone’s quality of life.
Recent research from UC Davis shows that highway expansion leads to increases
in VMT and greenhouse gas emissions, with little economic benefits.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
10
15
20
25
30
35
2012 2013 2014 2015
WHAT’S YOUR
IDEA FOR CHANGE?
Letusknowon
@EquinoxProject
facebook.com/
TheEquinoxProject
anduse#SDQoL.
26 27
Transportation

While overall waste diversion rates among cities in San Diego County continue
to improve, they are largely influenced by the recycling of heavy construction
and demolition materials. Commercial and residential diversion remains low,
between 23 and 26 percent in the City of San Diego.
Organic waste makes up one-third of the material diverted to landfills, much of
which is compostable or able to be converted into other landscaping materials.
Bright Spot
Although county trash disposal
was up, there were significant steps
taken addressing the problem in
2015. The Surfrider Foundation
started a new countywide Ocean
Friendly Restaurant program that
encourages restaurants to reduce
plastic in their operations. The City
of San Diego’s Zero Waste Plan was
approved, laying out strategies to
divert 90 percent of its trash by
2035. Meanwhile, Encinitas and Del
Mar took steps to prohibit single-
use plastic bags at grocery stores.
Average daily pounds of solid waste
disposed per person in San Diego
County jurisdictions, select counties
and California.
How we compare
Waste
Landfill Waste Disposal
How are we doing?
While a few local cities slightly decreased their daily per capita waste, the
overall trend shows a gradual increase over the last few years. Countywide,
San Diego waste disposal increased by 3 percent in 2014, increasing the
amount of trash in local landfills by nearly 250 million pounds in one year.
idea
for
change1
Policymaker
Cities throughout the region
should amend their mandatory
recycling ordinances to include yard
trimmings and unpainted wood
from multifamily properties and
yard trimmings, unpainted wood,
food scraps and food soiled paper
mixed with food from commercial
properties. These actions would
greatly reduce methane-generating
organics going to landfills.
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; CalRecycle, 2016; California Department of Finance, 2015
Daily Waste Disposed per Capita (San Diego County and California 1995-2014)
1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
PoundsofWaste
State of California
San Diego County
Daily Waste Disposed per Capita (select counties and California, 2014)
PoundsofWaste
California Los Angeles Orange Sacramento San Diego San Francisco Santa Clara
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
4.49
4.88
5.11
3.94
5.32
3.43
3.62
Daily Waste Disposal per Capita (San Diego County jurisdictions, 2013-2014)
0 1 2-1-2 3 4 5 7 86 9 10 11 13 14 16 1712 15
Carlsbad
Chula Vista
Coronado
Del Mar
El Cajon
Encinitas
Escondido
Imperial Beach
La Mesa
Lemon Grove
National City
Oceanside
Poway
San Diego
San Diego-Unincorporated
San Marcos
Santee
Solana Beach
Vista
7.19 +0.83
4.83 +1.44
10.05 +0.30
14.42 +1.89
5.11 +0.27
6.08 +0.17
5.56 +0.07
2.77-0.14
3.90 +0.44
3.70-0.87
4.74 +0.01
3.73-0.84
5.17 +0.20
5.67 +0.08
5.82 +0.59
4.86-0.11
3.98 +0.18
6.35 +0.32
5.20-0.07
Pounds of Waste
2014 per Capita
Waste Disposal
Change from 2013
WHAT’S YOUR
IDEA FOR CHANGE?
Letusknowon
@EquinoxProject
facebook.com/
TheEquinoxProject
anduse#SDQoL.
28 29
Waste

Transportation and treatment of water, treatment and disposal of wastewater
and the energy used to heat and consume water account for nearly 20 percent of
the total electricity used in California and 30 percent of nonpower plant-related
natural gas consumption.
Annually, more than half of the water county residents use, and half of all urban
water use in California, is for outdoor irrigation.
Even though 2015 rainfall was higher than normal, long-term drought conditions
mean water conservation is critical.
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; San Diego County Water Authority and Member Agencies, 2016
Estimated Daily Municipal & Industrial Water Use per Capita* (SDCWA member
agencies, FY 2015 vs. change from 2014)
San Diego Region Daily per Capita Estimated Residential Water Use vs. Rainfall
(2005-2015)
How we compare
Average Residential Water Usage
AverageResidentialWaterUsage(Gallons)
Rainfall at Lindbergh Field
130
125
120
115
110
105
100
95
90
AnnualRainfall(Inches)
25
20
15
10
5
0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 20152005 2006
Water
Water Use
How are we doing?
The San Diego region responded well to calls for curtailing water
consumption in 2015, the fourth year of an ongoing drought. Heeding
Governor Jerry Brown’s statewide emergency regulations requiring demand
reductions and supply cutbacks from the Metropolitan Water District of
Southern California, consumers reduced county per capita residential water
use by 13 percent. These extraordinary conservation efforts helped drop total
water use among local agencies by 112,700 acre-feet.
idea
for
change1
Business Leader
Businesses have opportunities to
reduce water use with incentive
programs through the San Diego
County Water Authority and the
Metropolitan Water District of
Southern California for water
efficiency projects. Another
consideration is property assessed
clean energy (PACE) financing for
water efficiency upgrades that can
eliminate out-of-pocket costs and
have extended paybacks over time
through property tax bills.
Bright Spot
The Claude“Bud”Lewis Carlsbad
Desalination Plant opened in
December 2015 and will produce
up-to 50 million gallons of drinking
water per day for San Diego County.
The plant provides a highly reliable
water supply that will minimize the
region’s vulnerability to drought
and is the first water infrastructure
project in the state to have a zero
net carbon footprint.
What are we
measuring?
San Diego County Water Authority
member agencies’fiscal year 2015
(ending June 30, 2015) residential per
capita water consumption
vs. rainfall at Lindbergh Field and
individual member agencies’
municipal and industrial per capita
consumption, including residential,
business and institutional uses.
*Includes non-certified agricultural water use and/or agricultural water use served by local water
**Yuima M.W.D. increase in municipal and industrial GPCPD attributable to a decreased proportion of Special
Agricultural Water Rate (SAWR) supply to total potable use in FY 2015
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; San Diego County Water Authority and Member Agencies, 2016
Carlsbad M.W.D.
County Avg.
Del Mar, City of
Escondido, City of
Fallbrook P.U.D.
Helix W.D.
Lakeside W.D.
National City, City of
Oceanside, City of
Olivenhain M.W.D.
Otay W.D.
Padre Dam M.W.D.
Pendleton M.R.
Poway, City of
Rainbow M.W.D.
Ramona M.W.D.
Rincon Del Diablo M.W.D.
San Diego, City of
San Dieguito W.D.
Santa Fe I.D.
South Bay I.D.
Vallecitos W.D.
Valley Center M.W.D.
Vista I.D.
Yuima M.W.D.**
Gallons of Water
Change from 2014 2015 per Person Daily Use
0 100-100 200 300 400 500 600 700
173
131
202
125
204
103
94
86
135
208
125
102
105
196
469
111
170
122
153
491
92
127
286
127
584
-19
-16
-29
-11
-15
-14
-14
-15
-17
-30
-15
-15
-3
-33
-49
-14
-34
-15
-10
-43
-8
-35
-49
-17
+54
WHAT’S YOUR
IDEA FOR CHANGE?
Letusknowon
@EquinoxProject
facebook.com/
TheEquinoxProject
anduse#SDQoL.
30 31
Water

Beaches draw many visitors, making water quality critical for growth in San
Diego’s billion-dollar tourism industry.
Upstream use of pesticides, improper disposal of pet waste and inadequate
maintenance of sewer infrastructure can degrade ocean water quality.
Water quality is vital to conservation of biodiversity – from migrating birds to
myriad species of fish that are impacted by polluted water.
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; County of San Diego, 2015; Map Layers from SanGIS, Center for
Sustainable Energy, 2016
Beach Advisories and Closures in Beach Mile-Days (2014)
Bright Spot
San Diego Coastkeeper partnered
with Surfrider Foundation to
clean up 9,825 pounds of trash
through their volunteer beach
cleanup program in 2015. More
than 40 percent of debris collected
was plastic, which doesn’t easily
biodegrade and can be ingested
by wildlife. Learn more about this
effort and how to get involved at
sdcoastkeeper.org.
Number of days San Diego beaches
were closed or flagged with advisories
due to health risks, measured in beach
mile-days (BMD = number of days X
length in miles of beach under advisory
or closed).
How we compare
0 1 2 4 6 8
Miles
N
Note: Circles on map represent
closures & advisories in that area,
not specific monitoring stations.
Beach Advisories
& Closures, 2014
0
1 to 10
11 to 29
30 or more
Camp Pendleton
Oceanside
Vista
Carlsbad San Marcos Escondido
Encinitas
Unincorporated
Unincorporated
Solana Beach
San Diego
San DiegoImperial Beach
San Diego
(Mission Bay)
San Diego
(Ocean Beach,
Point Loma)
Border Field State Park/
Tijuana Slough
National Shoreline
Carlsbad
Encinitas
Solana Beach
Del Mar
Coronado
San Diego
(Torrey Pines)
San Diego
(La Jolla)
Mexico
Santee
El Cajon
La Mesa
Lemon
Grove
Chula
Vista
National
City
Coronado
Poway
Del Mar
Data Sources: Equinox Project, 2016; San Diego County Department of Environmental Health, 2016
Beach Water Quality Advisories and Closures (San Diego County, 2008-2015)
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
BeachMile-Days/Days
Advisories in Beach-Mile DaysRain Advisory Days Closures in Beach-Mile Days
150
120
90
60
30
0
Water
Beach Closures and Advisories
How are we doing?
San Diego County’s total number of beach closures and water quality
advisories increased from 2014 to 2015. During 2015, the region experienced
the most water quality advisories since 2008 due to increased precipitation
in the region (even though the state’s long-term drought continues). Despite
greatly increased advisories, actual beach closures dropped in 2015.
You can help stop water pollution
by joining in I Love a Clean San
Diego and Think Blue San Diego’s
storm drain stenciling program that
reminds residents that no oil, soap
or debris should go down the drain.
The storm drain system does not
filter water; it is designed to prevent
flooding by carrying runoff straight
to the ocean. Learn more at
cleansd.org.
idea
for
change1
WHAT’S YOUR
IDEA FOR CHANGE?
Letusknowon
@EquinoxProject
facebook.com/
TheEquinoxProject
anduse#SDQoL.
32 33
Water

In addition to our Title Partner, San Diego Gas & Electric, we’d like to thank the following additional Equinox Project Partners.
Please consider underwriting the Equinox Project’s work to improve quality of life in the San Diego Region. Our collective impact on the
community would be at risk without sustaining support of individuals, foundations, local businesses and agencies. Contact us at (858)
244-1177 or equinox@energycenter.org for more information.
Electric drive is beautiful.
Learn more at sdge.com/PowerYourDrive
34
Thank You, Partners
Organizations Consulted
Organizations Consulted Website
American Community Survey census.gov
American Lung Association lung.org
California Association of Realtors car.org
California Breathing californiabreathing.org
California Department of Finance dof.ca.gov
California Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) calrecycle.ca.gov
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) dot.ca.gov
California Energy Commission energy.ca.gov
California Public Utilities Commission cpuc.ca.gov
California Solar Initiative gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov
Circulate San Diego circulatesd.org
City of San Diego, Environmental Services Department recyclingworks.com
Clean Vehicle Rebate Project cleanvehiclerebate.org
Climate Action Campaign climateactioncampaign.org
CONNECT connect.org
Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC) sandiego.edu/law/centers/epic
Environmental Health Coalition environmentalhealth.org
I Love A Clean San Diego cleansd.org
Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía inegi.org.mx
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) noaa.gov
Proyecto Fronterizo de Educación Ambiental (PFEA) pfea.org
PwC pwc.com
San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) sandag.org
San Diego Coastkeeper sdcoastkeeper.org
San Diego County Air Pollution Control District sdapcd.org
San Diego County Department of Environmental Health sandiegocounty.gov/deh
San Diego County Water Authority sdcwa.org
San Diego Gas & Electric sdge.com
San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation sandiegobusiness.org
Tijuana Verde tijuanainnovadora.com/tijuana-verde
Trust for Public Land tpl.org
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics rita.dot.gov
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) energy.gov
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) epa.gov
35San Diego Quality of Life Dashboard 2016Equinox Project, an initiative of the Center for Sustainable Energy

36
Equinox Project
Center for Sustainable Energy
9325 Sky Park Court, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92123
energycenter.org/equinox Printed April 2016 with vegetable based ink.
Front Cover:
(top) First graders from Rodriguez Elementary visit Suzie’s Farm (Credit:
Suzie’s Farm); (right) Historic California Building and Tower in Balboa Park;
(bottom) Cyclists enjoying a Class II bike lane along the coast (Credit: Joel
Flood, San Diego Bicycle Coalition)
Key Findings (pp. 2-3):
(top left to right) San Diego Bay cleanup (Credit: Port of San Diego);
Congressman Scott Peters connects with students to support San Diego’s
STEM initiatives (Credit: Underground Elephant); A San Diego County
vineyard; Julian Hunt, Cambridge professor shows global temperature
increases at a Climate Change workshop at UC San Diego (Credit: Calit2 &
The Qualcomm Institute at UC San Diego); (bottom) San Diego Bay looking
south
Air Quality (p. 4):
Bikers on Soledad Mountain
Border Region (p. 6):
Pedestrians heading out of San Ysidro and the U.S. to Tijuana through the
border crossing
Climate Change (p. 8):
Surf pounds the coastline in La Jolla
Economy/Employment (p. 10):
Infrastructure construction underway on one of San Diego County’s streets
Economy/Entrepreneurship (p. 12):
Tech entrepreneurs test robotics at UC San Diego (Credit: Calit2 & The
Qualcomm Institute at UC San Diego)
Energy/Renewable (p. 14):
Solar shaded parking structures at Balboa Park
Energy/Residential (p. 16):
Contractors work on an Energy Upgrade California project (Credit: Energy
Upgrade California)
Housing (p. 18):
Dense housing in the Little Italy-Bankers Hill area
Land Use (p. 20):
Lookout at Volcan Mountain’s Sky Island Trail (Credit: Jeff Holt, Volcan
Mountain Foundation)
Transportation/Electric Vehicles (p. 22):
A zero emission electric vehicle at the beach (Credit: SDG&E’s Power Your
Drive Program)
Transportation/Transportation Choices (p. 24):
San Diego MTS’s new Rapid bus in City Heights (Credit: SANDAG)
Transportation/Vehicle Miles Traveled (p. 26):
Traffic congestion clogs the freeway
Waste (p. 28):
Discarded waste at a transfer facility eventually will be loaded into large
containers for shipping to local landfills
Water/Water Use (p. 30):
Drought-tolerant landscaping helps reduce San Diego County’s residential
water use
Water/Water Quality (p. 32):
Inland coastal freshwater creek
Back Cover:
(top) North Park, one of San Diego’s iconic urban neighborhoods and home
of the North Park EcoDistrict; (left) A mom and her sons take a hike along
San Diego County open space trails; (bottom) Tijuana’s El Arco del Milenio
(Reloj Monumental Tijuana 2000)
Acknowledgements
We are grateful for our growing network of talented volunteers who continue to help
the Equinox Project achieve its mission.
Equinox Project Advisory Board
Equinox Project Staff
Leaders 2020 Steering Committee
Photo Credits
Stephen Heverly
Senior Project Manager
Cecily Taylor
Research Fellow
John Bogich
Research Fellow
Sarah Olson
Research Fellow
Nicole Borunda – Co-Chair
San Diego State University
Tony Cruz – Co-Chair
Office of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer
Sarah Czarnecki
Nuffer, Smith, Tucker
Kristina Houck
Union-Tribune Community Press
Jake Sneeden
Southwest Strategies, LLC
Kaison Tanabe
Impact San Diego
Melanie Wilson
Office of San Diego County Supervisor
Ron Roberts
Marty Brown
Elcelyx Therapeutics, Inc.
Aaron Contorer
FP Complete
Chris Frahm
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP
Peter James MacCracken, APR
Strategic Communications
Atul Suri
Qualcomm, Inc.
Kristen Victor
Sustainability Matters, Inc.
An initiative of
Equinox Project, an initiative of the Center for Sustainable Energy

2016-equinox-regional-dashboard-report

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to 2016-equinox-regional-dashboard-report

Similar to 2016-equinox-regional-dashboard-report (20)

2016-equinox-regional-dashboard-report